New innovation center Ostend: also for drones

Vives University of Applied Sciences is responsible for the operation of the center.

Research in Drone Dock

The new warehouse is located next to the VLOC where the DroneLab of VIVES University of Applied Sciences is also housed. This is a knowledge center for the development of sustainable drone applications. In the long term, POM wants to use drones more and more for various applications, but a lot of research is still required. From now on, that research can be done in Drone Dock.

“In addition to education, colleges also have an important research task. We have to keep up with the new trends and that is why research projects are also integrated into the courses,” says Rob De Roo of Vives University of Applied Sciences.

The intention is to equip the center with testing facilities. “A wind and rain simulation will be available soon. This will allow us to test and optimize the performance of our drones,” says Jean de Bethune, chairman of POM West Flanders. There will be a testing area for drones both indoors and outdoors. A meeting room is also provided to exchange information internationally. There is also room to build prototypes.

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Deployment in various sectors

It is also being examined whether drones can be used in different sectors. “We can use drones for offshore installations or port infrastructure. From Drone Dock, for example, we can develop tests aimed at inspection, maintenance and monitoring of wind farms in the North Sea,” says de Bethune. “We are also investigating whether we can develop similar infrastructures on the coast.”

POM West Flanders also has the ambition to develop drone infrastructure in the rest of the province. “Drones can be used at our regional airports. The step towards unmanned aviation is small. Kortrijk-Wevelgem airport already sees a future in this,” says de Bethune.

The chairman of POM West Flanders also wants to put drones in a positive light. “Many people think of drones as weapons and war, but drone technology can be much more. Drones can help us work in a more productive and sustainable way. It is that positive, peaceful drone development that is central to us.”